In a recent movie trailer, a young man pursued a famous self-help author until one day he found him. His question to the writer: “Do I have a destiny, or is it all free will?”

He was looking for answers. We are like the young man, looking to others for direction. We want answers to life’s most profound questions. We look everywhere, except inside ourselves.

The question suggests that “destiny” is something that happens outside our control or involvement. Of course “free will” is choice – our ability to choose. The young man’s question suggests that one excludes the other. In fact, the opposite is true – one includes the other.

The concept of “destiny” outside of ourselves originated in Greek mythology. The Greeks believed a trio of goddesses visited an infant 3 nights after birth and determined the child’s destiny. This became that individual’s pre-destined fate, and neither they nor anyone else could change it. Further, the goddesses were cold and indifferent, rendering terrible outcomes for many without remorse.

Few would accept such a far-fetched notion about one’s destiny today. However, what remains in our culture is the idea that our fate is somehow pre-determined by outside forces – GOD or otherwise.

Each of us is a miraculous creation, endowed with unique gifts and talents. We are all capable of greatness. Not a greatness to serve ourselves, but greatness that benefits our fellow man and the common good. Discovering and fully utilizing these gifts and talents is our quest.

To become all we are capable of is our ultimate destiny.

We have the power of free will. This power was given to us by the Infinite One – Almighty GOD (The Higher Power, Infinite Intelligence, The Great Spirit,if you like). He has created almost infinite possibilities for our lives.The question we should be asking is: “What choices should I make to direct my destiny, fully using the gifts and talents I possess?”

The power to choose gives us the ability to direct our lives. We can choose one of many courses. Our choices can lead to either positive or self-destructive outcomes. The direction we choose can lead to great contribution, fulfillment and abundance or poverty, crime and punishment.

The truth is, it’s not destiny versus free will, one or the other – it’s both. Our “destiny” is determined by the choices we make in our lives. We become what we choose.

With this power comes great responsibility. We are accountable for the choices we make and their resulting outcomes. Our choices direct the outcomes of our lives. The sum of those outcomes shapes our destiny.

The answer to the young man’s question is simple – your choices direct your destiny. It doesn’t randomly happen to us. YOU have the power over your choices. Therefore, you have everything to do with guiding the course of your destiny.

In another popular recent movie, a wise father speaking to his young son at a defining moment says: “You are fully capable of deciding your own destiny. The question you face is which path will you choose? This is something only you can decide.”

We must look inside ourselves for answers. Who are we passionate to become? The Infinite One has given us the power to choose. The answers do not lie outside of us, out of our control. Fate is not pre-determined. It is not up to others. Our choice, and the actions behind those choices, determine the course of our destiny.

Which path will you choose? What choices will you make? You have the power to decide.